Induction pegylated interferon Alfa-2a and high dose ribavirin do not increase SVR in heavy patients with HCV genotype 1 and high viral loads

Background & Aims Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, body weight <85 kg, and high baseline viral load respond poorly to standard doses of pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and ribavirin. We evaluated intensified therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin. Methods This double-blind randomized trial included HCV genotype 1-infected outpatients from hepatology clinics with body weight <85 kg and HCV RNA titer <400,000 IU/mL. Patients were randomized to 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 48 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (standard of care) (group A, n = 191) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group B, n = 189). Additional groups included 360 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 12 weeks then 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 36 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (group C, n = 382) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group D, n = 383). Follow-up lasted 24 weeks after treatment. Results Sustained virologic response rates (HCV RNA level <15 IU/mL at end of follow-up) in groups A, B, C, and D were 38%, 43%, 44%, and 41%, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 4 groups or between pooled peginterferon alfa-2a regimens (A + B vs C + D: odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.831.39; P = .584) or pooled ribavirin regimens (A + C vs B + D: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.791.28; P = .974). Conclusions In patients infected with HCV genotype 1 who are difficult to treat (high viral load, body weight <85 kg), a 12-week induction regimen of peginterferon alfa-2a and/or higher-dose ribavirin is not more effective than the standard regimen. © 2010 AGA Institute.

Mango flower induction in the brazilian northeast Semi-arid with gibberellin synthesis inhibitors

Mangoes in the Brazilian semi-arid stands out in the national scenario due to high yields and fruit quality, and also to the possibility of all-year production taking advantage of the climatic conditions as well as management technique (irrigation, pruning and growth regulators application) for plant growth and blossom control. Paclobutrazol soil drench applied is normally used for production management of mangoes. This research deals with the evaluation of the effect of foliar applied growth regulators to mango, cultivar 'Kent', as regard to their efficiency for blossom management, in order to allow off season mango production. Three growth regulators (prohexadione-Ca, trinexapac-ethyl and chlormequat chloride) were foliar applied, at two dosages and compared to paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench. In order to compare the effects of the treatment, data were recorded related to panicle emission (percentage and length), period of time until blossom and production, yield (number and plant weight) and post-harvest quality of the fruit (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness, flesh and skin color and appearance). The results showed that prohexadione-Ca and chlormequat chloride induced a 15-day early harvest, while paclobutrazol, alone or combined with prohexadione-Ca, allow to harvest 25 days in advance, when compared to trinexapac-ethyl and control trees. Growth regulators foliar applied and paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench delayed mangoes fruit ripening in post-harvest.

Uniconazole on mango floral induction cultivar 'Kent' at submedio são francisco region, Brazil

In order to provide efficient crop management which enables the scaling of the production of mango in semi-arid conditions and achieve a greater precision in the recommendation, evaluating the effect and the influence of uniconazole foliar spray, on the emission of vegetative flushes in the cultivar 'Kent', field tests were carried out in a productive orchard. Treatments tested were three uniconazole dosages, 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg L-1, with one, two or three respective foliar sprayings. Another treatment with paclobutrazol was used at 2.0 g a.i./m of canopy diameter, with a single application via soil and a control (without spraying of plant growth regulators), where spreader-sticker was added and the pH was adjusted. With 30, 60 and 90 days after the first spraying of the flowering inducer the growth of branches were evaluated, as well as the percentage of flowering in all treatments after 120 days of first spraying. The sprayings started in the orchard after the emission of the second vegetative flush after pruning of production, through airassisted sprayer with flow rate of 1,000 L ha-1. The experimental design was done through randomized blocks with four replications, using three plants per plot. It was observed that paclobutrazol was significantly highlighted in relation to other treatments and that the uniconazole with one, two and three foliar sprayings presented inhibition of the vegetative growth in mango 'Kent' and showed, even at low proportions, signs of flowering.

MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in the prostates of male and female mongolian gerbils: Effects of hormonal manipulation

TIMPs in the prostates of male and female gerbils and evaluated the effects of testosterone on the expression of these enzymes. Ventral prostates from male gerbils that were either intact or had been castrated for 7 or 21 days, along with prostates from female gerbils that were either intact or had been treated with testosterone for 7 or 21 days, were submitted to histological, stereological and immunohistochemical analyses. Stereology of prostatic components showed significant alterations of tissue compartments in the ventral male prostate after castration, especially after 21 days, with a significant increase in stroma. Administration of testosterone led to disorganization in the female prostate, with a significant increase in collagen fibers and smooth muscle cells after 21 days, along with the development of epithelial lesions such as PINs. MMP-2 increased after 21 days of castration in males; however, the TIMP-2 immunoreaction for this group was weak or absent. In females, the expression of MMP-2 appeared to decrease after 7 days of treatment with testosterone, but after 21 days, both epithelium and stroma showed a stronger reaction for MMP-2 than the controls. The expression of TIMP-2 in the treated females was similar to its expression in the castrated males. We conclude that the distribution of MMPs and TIMPs in both male and female prostates is altered by androgen manipulation, but the mechanism of stromal regulation appears to be distinct between genders because both the lack of T in castrated males and the excess levels of T in treated females lead to the same effect.

Specialist tool for monitoring the measurement degradation process of induction active energy meters

This paper presents a methodology and a specialist tool for failure probability analysis of induction type watt-hour meters, considering the main variables related to their measurement degradation processes. The database of the metering park of a distribution company, named Elektro Electricity and Services Co., was used for determining the most relevant variables and to feed the data in the software. The modeling developed to calculate the watt-hour meters probability of failure was implemented in a tool through a user friendly platform, written in Delphi language. Among the main features of this tool are: analysis of probability of failure by risk range; geographical localization of the meters in the metering park, and automatic sampling of induction type watt-hour meters, based on a risk classification expert system, in order to obtain information to aid the management of these meters. The main goals of the specialist tool are following and managing the measurement degradation, maintenance and replacement processes for induction watt-hour meters. © 2011 IEEE.

Induction or exacerbation of psoriatic lesions during anti-TNF-α therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic literature review based on 222 cases

Background: Paradoxical cases of psoriatic lesions induced or exacerbated by anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy have been reported more frequently in recent years, but data related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are rare. A systematic literature review was performed to provide information about this adverse effect in patients with IBD who receive anti-TNF therapy. Methods: Published studies were identified by a search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Results: A total of 47 studies (222 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Clinical and therapeutic aspects varied considerably among these reports. Of the 222 patients, 78.38% were diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and 48.20% were female. The mean patient age was 26.50. years, and 70.72% of patients had no history of psoriasis. Patients developed psoriasiform lesions (55.86%) more often than other types of psoriatic lesions, and infliximab was the anti-TNF-α therapy that caused the cutaneous reaction in most patients (69.37%). Complete remission of cutaneous lesions was observed in 63.96% of the cases. Conclusions: We found that psoriatic lesions occurred predominantly in adult patients with Crohn's disease who received infliximab and had no previous history of psoriasis. Most patients can be managed conservatively without discontinuing anti-TNF-α therapy. © 2012 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation.

Progesterone-based strategies to induce ovulation in prepubertal Nellore heifers

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate hormonal strategies to induce ovulation in Nellore heifers. In experiment 1, heifers (N = 1039) received a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) of fourth use (CIDR-4) on Day -12 or no CIDR (CIDR-0). The CIDR was removed on Day 0 in the CIDR-4 treatment, and estrus detection and AI were performed from Days 1 to 7. On Day 8, heifers not detected in estrus were evaluated for CL presence and received the same treatment again, followed by estrus detection and AI from Days 21 to 27. All heifers in experiments 2 (N = 896), 3 (N = 839), and 4 (N = 948) received the CIDR-4 treatment on Day -12. In experiment 2, heifers were randomly assigned to a control group (no additional treatment) or to receive equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; 200 IU eCG im) on Day 0. In experiment 3, heifers received the same treatments as in experiment 2, or a treatment that included eCG and estradiol cypionate (ECP) (eCG+ECP; 200 IU im eCG plus 0.5 mg ECP im) on Day 0. In experiment 4, heifers received the treatments described in experiment 3 or only ECP (0.5 mg) on Day 0. In experiments 2 and 3, estrus detection and AI was performed from Days 1 to 7 and on Day 8, heifers not detected in estrus were evaluated for CL presence. In experiment 4, heifers were evaluated for presence of a CL between Days 10 and 14. In experiment 1 heifers treated with CIDR-4 had greater estrus detection, ovulation induction, and pregnancy rates than in the CIDR-0 group. In experiment 2, heifers treated with eCG had greater estrus detection, ovulation induction, and pregnancy rates in 7 days than heifers in the control group. In experiment 3, heifers treated with eCG+ECP had greater estrus detection, ovulation induction, and pregnancy rates than the control and eCG treatments. In experiment 4, ovulation induction was greater for heifers treated with eCG and eCG+ECP relative to control, but did not differ from the ECP treatment. In conclusion, the use of a CIDR of fourth use for 12 days and the addition of eCG and/or ECP at CIDR removal efficiently induced ovulation and increased pregnancy rates in prepubertal Nellore heifers. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Influence of upper-body exercise order on hormonal responses in trained men

The aim of this study was to examine acute hormonal responses after different sequences of an upper-body resistance-exercise session. Twenty men completed 2 sessions (3 sets; 70% 1-repetition maximum; 2 min passive rest between sets) of the same exercises in opposite sequences (larger to smaller vs. smaller to larger muscle-group exercises). Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), testosterone/cortisol (T/C) ratio, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), growth hormone (GH), and cortisol (C) concentrations were measured before and immediately after each sequence. The results indicate that the GH concentration increased after both sessions, but the increase was significantly greater (p < 0.05) after the sequence in which larger muscle-group exercises were performed prior to the smaller muscle-group exercises. No differences were observed between sessions for TT, FT, SHBG, C, or the T/C ratio at baseline or immediately after resistance exercise. These results indicate that performing larger muscle-group exercises first in an upper-body resistance-exercise session leads to a significantly greater GH response. This may have been due to the significantly greater exercise volume accomplished. In summary, the findings of this investigation support the common prescriptive recommendation to perform larger-muscle group exercises first during a resistance-exercise session.

Hormonal treatment of dairy goats affected by hydrometra associated or not with ovarian follicular cyst

Hydrometra is considered a very important pathological condition, because it represents one of the main causes of temporary infertility in dairy goats. The objective was (i) to evaluate a protocol for the treatment of hydrometra associated (n=2) or not (n=17) with follicular ovarian cyst in 19 dairy goats and (ii) to assess its reproductive efficiency after treatment. For this purpose, 10. mg of dinoprost (PGF) divided in two equal doses were administered to all animals intravulvosubmucosally on Days 0 and 10. In addition, 500. IU hCG were administered on Day 7. Ultrasound exams were performed in all females from Days 0 to 3, 7 and 10 to 13 of treatment, in order to evaluate uterus drainage after each treatment. Goats were monitored for estrus after both treatments and mated after the second dose of PGF. Blood samples were collected from 11 goats to determine plasma progesterone concentrations before, during and after treatment. Of the 19 goats treated, 16 lost weight after the first dose, probably due to uterine discharge. Complete drainage of uterine fluid was observed in 11/19 (57.9%) and 17/19 (89.5%) after the first and second doses, respectively. Afterwards, we diagnosed 2 more goats with follicular cysts, for a total of 21.1% (4/19) of animals exhibiting hydrometra and ovarian cyst concomitantly. In one doe the diagnosis was on Day 2 and in the other on Day 11. All does showed progesterone concentrations superior to 1. ng/mL at Day 0, with an average of 10.6 ± 1.4. ng/mL. Out of the 10 goats mated, only two became pregnant after treatment, corresponding to 10.5% of the total (2/19). Although prostaglandin was effective to drain the uterine fluid and led to the onset of estrus, it did not improve the pregnancy rate. The use of hCG in female goats was not effective in luteinizing the cysts. It can be concluded that hydrometra alone or associated with ovarian follicular cyst may adversely affect goat reproductive performance. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Inhibitory mechanism of the nucleus of the solitary tract involved in the control of cardiovascular, dipsogenic, hormonal, and renal responses to hyperosmolality

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the primary site of visceral afferents to the central nervous system. In the present study, we investigated the effects of lesions in the commissural portion of the NTS (commNTS) on the activity of vasopressinergic neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, plasma vasopressin, arterial pressure, water intake, and sodium excretion in rats with plasma hyperosmolality produced by intragastric 2 M NaCl (2 ml/rat). Male Holtzman rats with 15-20 days of sham or electrolytic lesion (1 mA; 10 s) of the commNTS were used. CommNTS lesions enhanced a 2 M NaCl intragastrically induced increase in the number of vasopressinergic neurons expressing c-Fos in the PVN (28 ± 1, vs. sham: 22 ± 2 c-Fos/AVP cells) and SON (26 ± 4, vs. sham: 11 ± 1 c-Fos/AVP cells), plasma vasopressin levels (21 ± 8, vs. sham: 6.6 ± 1.3 pg/ml), pressor responses (25 ± 7 mmHg, vs. sham: 7 ± 2 mmHg), water intake (17.5 ± 0.8, vs. sham: 11.2 ± 1.8 ml/2 h), and natriuresis (4.9 ± 0.8, vs. sham: 1.4 ± 0.3 meq/1 h). The pretreatment with vasopressin antagonist abolished the pressor response to intragastric 2 M NaCl in commNTS-lesioned rats (8 ± 2.4 mmHg at 10 min), suggesting that this response is dependent on vasopressin secretion. The results suggest that inhibitory mechanisms dependent on commNTS act to limit or counterbalance behavioral, hormonal, cardiovascular, and renal responses to an acute increase in plasma osmolality. © 2013 the American Physiological Society.

Induction of the 72 kDa heat shock protein by glucose ingestion in black pregnant women

Obese Black women are at increased risk for development of gestational diabetes mellitus and have worse perinatal outcomes than do obese women of other ethnicities. Since hsp72 has been associated with the regulation of obesity-induced insulin resistance, we evaluated associations between glucose ingestion, hsp72 release and insulin production in Black pregnant women. Specifically, the effect of a 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) on heat shock protein and insulin levels in the circulation 1 h later was evaluated. Hsp27 and hsp60 levels remained unchanged. In contrast, serum levels of hsp72 markedly increased after glucose ingestion (p = 0.0054). Further analysis revealed that this increase was limited to women who were not obese (body mass index <30). Insulin levels pre-GCT were positively correlated with body mass index (p = 0.0189). Median insulin concentrations also increased post GCT in non-obese women but remained almost unchanged in obese women. Post-GCT serum hsp72 concentrations were inversely correlated with post GCT insulin concentrations (p = 0.0111). These observations suggest that glucose intake during gestation in Black women rapidly leads to an elevation in circulating hsp72 only in non-obese Black women. The release of hsp72 may regulate the extent of insulin production in response to a glucose challenge and, thereby, protect the mother and/or fetus from development of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and/or immune system alterations. © 2013 Cell Stress Society International.

Induction of ankylosis in the incisor for orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Background/Aim: The present research evaluated the induction of ankylosis and the eruption rate in rat incisors, with the aim of achieving stable anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) of the molars. Material and methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats were used. In the Experimental group, the right superior incisor of each animal was extracted, denuded of the PDL and the dental papilla, and reimplanted. The Control group was the left superior incisors. The eruption rate was measured at 7, 10, 12, 14, and 16 days after replantation. NiTi closed springs with a 50cN release force were installed for additional 9 days, and the eruption rate was determined. Then, the rats were sacrificed, and ankylosis was examined by microscopic analysis. Differences with P < 0.01 were defined as statistically significant. Results: The eruption rates were 0 and 0.39 mm day-1 in the Experimental group and Control group, respectively. All incisors of the Experimental group showed ankylosis according to histological analysis. Conclusions: The methodology used to induce ankylosis in this study was effective for anchoring the incisors during the OTM of rat molars, eliminating the undesirable effects consequent to continuous eruption. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Speed estimation for induction motor using neural networks method

This work presents an alternative approach based on neural network method in order to estimate speed of induction motors, using the measurement of primary variables such as voltage and current. Induction motors are very common in many sectors of the industry and assume an important role in the national energy policy. The nowadays methodologies, which are used in diagnosis, condition monitoring and dimensioning of these motors, are based on measure of the speed variable. However, the direct measure of this variable compromises the system control and starting circuit of an electric machinery, reducing its robustness and increasing the implementation costs. Simulation results and experimental data are presented to validate the proposed approach. © 2003-2012 IEEE.

Mild diabetes models and their maternal-fetal repercussions

The presence of diabetes in pregnancy leads to hormonal and metabolic changes making inappropriate intrauterine environment, favoring the onset of maternal and fetal complications. Human studies that explore mechanisms responsible for changes caused by diabetes are limited not only for ethical reasons but also by the many uncontrollable variables. Thus, there is a need to develop appropriate experimental models. The diabetes induced in laboratory animals can be performed by different methods depending on dose, route of administration, and the strain and age of animal used. Many of these studies are carried out in neonatal period or during pregnancy, but the results presented are controversial. So this paper, addresses the review about the different models of mild diabetes induction using streptozotocin in pregnant rats and their repercussions on the maternal and fetal organisms to propose an adequate model for each approached issue. © 2013 D. C. Damasceno et al.

Floral induction of mango 'Tommy Atkins' at submedio São Francisco Region, Brazil

Irregular production is a major problem in mango. In an attempt to overcome irregular bearing, effects of two antigibberellins on flowering were evaluated, uniconazole (0.25 g of active ingredient per meter of canopy tree diameter) and paclobutrazol (1.0 g of active ingredient per meter of canopy tree diameter). Treatments were applied as a soil drench using 2 L of solution per tree, in a commercial orchard of 'Tommy Atkins' mango. Treatments were applied after the second vegetative flush commenced, subsequent to pruning. Branch growth was evaluated every 30 days after treatment application up to a maximum period of 90 days. The flowering percentage was recorded at 130 days. Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) as a foliar spray (concentration of 0.75%) was applied five times at seven day intervals from 95 to 100 days after treatment application as a dormancy breaking treatment. It was found that both paclobutrazol (PBZ) and uniconazole (UCZ) significantly inhibited the development of vegetative growth compared to the control. Both treatments resulted in identical rates of flowering shoots, 87%; based on results, it can be concluded that the application of antigibberellins (PBZ and UCZ) inhibit vegetative development in mango 'Tommy Atkins', and promote high levels of flowering. Additional tests are being carried out in other farms to confirm these findings, for different cultivars and seasons. © ISHS 2013.